Local photographer Andrew Wilson picked the best of 20,000 pictures
A foggy morning at the Wetland Centre Barnes. Picture: Andrew Wilson
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Putney-based photographer Andrew Wilson has spent the last three years working on what he describes as his biggest and most ambitious book to date.
After publishing two books already, his latest work is Wild about The Westlands, a homage to the nature reserve in Barnes. It could make the perfect Christmas present for someone you know who lives in the area.
Andrew took over 20,000 pictures during over 200 visits, often in the cold and wet, and has whittled them down to what he considers to be the best 450.
Andrew says, “On every occasion I visited this extremely special place, I always came away with something that might be used.”
Persistence, and some luck, was required to capture the wide spectrum of wildlife that choose to inhabit the 100 acres of urban green space. For example, a kingfisher – an ever-elusive subject - was frightened away by a lady pushing a pram before Andrew could crawl close enough to nail his shot but his patience was rewarded months later with a remarkable image of the bird with a trophy fish dangling from its beak.
An otter at the Wetland Centre in Barnes. Picture: Andrew Wilson
The book is packed full of fascinating content and over 450 full colour images. Contributions from local fans, such as Gyles Brandreth, are included as well as a foreword by the broadcaster and naturalist, Mark Carwardine, a friend of WWT’s founder, Sir Peter Scott.
Mark Carwardine said, “The London Wetlands Centre celebrates its 21st anniversary this year, so it’s splendid to have a book that honours such a phenomenal success. Andrew has captured the essence of this wonderful slice of urban wilderness with his fabulous collection of photographs. He knows the reserve well – and it shows. He has clearly spent an inordinate amount of time capturing some truly wonderful images and the result is a sensational celebration of the jewel in London’s crown.”
“Seeing the book for the first time in all its glory, makes up for all those mornings when it was freezing and my hands were so cold that I couldn’t suppress the shutter on my camera”, said Andrew Wilson.
A grebe makes a catch at the Wetland Centre. Picture: Andrew Wilson
The award-winning London Wetland Centre is run by WWT - The Wildfowl and Wetland Trust charity which celebrated its 75th birthday last monthand the 21st birthday of London site. Like many organisations WWT has suffered from the worst effects of the pandemic so Andrew is donating 10% of each book sale outside of the charity’s own shops. Books sold through WWT’s own shops will take a larger donation from each sale.
Snow at the Wetland Centre. Picture: Andrew Wilson
Wild about The Wetlands is now available for £24.99 through WWT shops nationally, Waterstones, Barnes Bookshop and independent gift shops in London and direct (plus postage and packing) from WildLondon.co.uk and can be purchased online.
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December 10, 2021
